Athlete Ally Action Awards 2026 Gets an Inspiring Host Duo

Matty Maggiacomo returns for his third year as host, and Kirsten Ferguson steps up from guest to co-host

On October 29 in New York City, the 2026 Athlete Ally Action Awards will feature two familiar faces from Peloton on stage. Peloton instructors Matty Maggiacomo and Kirsten Ferguson are set to co-host the gala, Athlete Ally announced on Instagram.

The Athlete Ally Action Awards are the organization’s flagship annual celebration, honoring LGBTQIA+ athletes, allies, and organizations that champion inclusion on and off the field. This year’s pairing of Peloton instructors brings together a returning host and a longtime guest who knows the event well.

Matty Maggiacomo Hosts the Athlete Ally Action Awards for the Third Time

Matty is no newcomer to the role. The 2026 event marks his third appearance as host, and Athlete Ally described him as a veteran on its roster. The Clip Out has followed Matty since our 2018 podcast interview with him.

In a statement shared by Athlete Ally, Matty said, “The Athlete Ally Action Awards is one of my favorite nights of the year, and I’m honored to be returning as co-host for the third time. It’s a chance to celebrate extraordinary people who have made it their mission to champion the LGBTQI+ community in sports, and to remind everyone that sports are better when everyone gets to play.”

Kirsten Ferguson Steps Up From Guest to Co-Host

Kirsten has attended the Athlete Ally Action Awards as a guest for the past couple of years. This year, she joins Matty on stage.

“I am so excited to co-host the 2026 Action Awards,” Kirsten said in a statement shared by Athlete Ally. “As a guest at this beautiful event for the last couple of years, I have had a front-row seat to witness Athlete Ally’s amazing impact. I am honored to stand tall as an ally supporting their mission.”

Hosting is familiar territory for Kirsten. Earlier this year, she returned as host of the Business of Women’s Sports Summit in New York City. More of her coverage is on our Kirsten Ferguson page.

2026 Athlete Ally Action Awards Honorees

Athlete Ally has named three honorees for this year’s event:

• adidas

• Carl Nassib

• The Athlete Ally chapter at the University of Miami

Proceeds from the 2026 Athlete Ally Action Awards will go directly to college athletes, who sit at the center of the organization’s strategic plan. Athlete Ally’s broader goal is to put $3 million into the hands of college athletes committed to its mission over the next four years.

The event’s fundraising goal is $628,000, and more than $379,000 had been raised as of October 14. Athlete Ally reports relationships with more than 120 pro athletes and more than 300 college athletic departments.

How to Attend the Athlete Ally Action Awards

The evening opens with a cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by programming and an auction from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are available through the Athlete Ally Action Awards event page, where supporters can also donate directly.

Sponsors for 2026 include adidas, the NFL, the NBA, the WNBA, the NHL, the Billie Jean King Foundation, and the New York Liberty. Sponsorship packages range from a $7,500 Team Sponsor half table to a $100,000 Award Sponsor title sponsorship.

With a third-year host and a longtime guest now sharing the stage, the 2026 Athlete Ally Action Awards put two Peloton instructors at the front of a night built around inclusion in sports. For members who know Matty and Kirsten from their classes, it is a chance to see that message carried well beyond the studio.

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